KUALA LUMPUR: Likening her grandfather Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman’s philosophy, principles and visions to the Malaysia Madani concept, Kamariah Shakirin Mustafa has called on Malaysian youths to rise and uphold the values.

Kamariah, who is the daughter of the late Zailah Ismail, said her grandfather’s values lived on in the family.

“Fifty years ago on this day, our grandfather passed away.

“However, his philosophy, principles, and visions have taken root in his grandchildren’s minds and thrived under the guidance of our late grandmother and beloved mother.

“I believe my grandfather’s philosophy, principles and visions align with the Malaysia Madani initiative,” she said in her speech at the Tun Dr Ismail Al-Haj: Pillar of National Unity event at Dataran Merdeka here yesterday.

Madani is an acronym for a policy that embraces six core values – keMampanan (Sustainability), KesejAhteraan (Prosperity), Daya Cipta (Innovation), hormAt (Respect), keyakiNan (Trust) and Ihsan (Compassion).

Kamariah said a peaceful, inclusive and free regional environment is necessary to fully make Malaysia Madani a success.

Lasting legacy: Kamariah delivering a speech at the ceremony to commemorate Dr Ismail who had been instrumental in governance and national unity held at Dataran Merdeka. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

“I stand here not only representing my family but also as the voice of the younger generation.

“Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and I can imagine how tough it is to steer Malaysia Madani ahead.

“I call upon the younger generation to step forward as warriors and jointly shoulder this responsibility to make it a reality,” she said.

Kamariah noted that after the May 13, 1969 riots, her grandfather returned to politics to steer the country’s democracy back on the right track.

“He put the country’s well-being over his own importance. For him, the agreements and consensus that were made for the country’s independence must not be disregarded.

“This spirit also embodies the essence of Malaysia Madani.”

Stating the importance of nurturing character and substance, she said it was pointless to have skyscrapers everywhere without people of good character and noble values.

“A country’s success relies on the transparency and determination of those who hold responsibility and trust.

“From there, we can see that it’s not the system, policy or institution that is flawed, but rather ourselves.

“We forget or intentionally ignore to reflect until our desires overshadow reason and neglect the progress and welfare of the people,” she added.

Kamariah also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil for organising the ceremony, which saw nearly 10,000 attendees, including Cabinet ministers.

“My family members and I have never seen such appreciation given to my late grandfather, and this really touches my heart.

“We are deeply moved by the recognition and commemoration given to our grandfather,” she said.